A Review of the Canon Sure Shot A-1 Water Proof Film Camera

The Canon Sure Shot A1, also known as Canon Autoboy D5 in Japan and Canon Prima AS-1 in Europe, was a popular camera during the 1990s. Its simplicity and robustness, combined with the nostalgic touch of film, continue to make it a sought-after camera.

It is a fully automatic camera featuring a 32mm f/3.5 lens. There is a flash and an underwater focusing mode. Another similar camera model exists that has panorama and date functions.

Design and Build

The Sure Shot A1 comes in a compact, user-friendly design. The large red shutter release is easy to operate. There are few controls, which makes the camera easy for anyone to use.

The camera is water proof to 5m/16.4ft. However, it is important not to jump into water with the camera or clean it with running water. Both of those can cause enough force to where water will be able to penetrate the o-rings and get inside of the camera.

With dimensions of 133 x 88 x 56 mm and a weight of 385 g, the Canon Sure Shot A1 is portable and durable. The camera was designed for rugged use, making it an excellent choice for outdoor and adventure photography.

The waterproof feature down to 5m was quite innovative for its time, opening up new possibilities for amateur photographers to explore underwater scenes without needing expensive professional equipment. The gaskets surrounding the battery compartment and film back provide this waterproof capability. Make sure to keep them clean from sand or other debris.

Shooting Modes

Next to the shutter button, is the self-timer button. When the self-timer is used, the red eye reduction lamp on the front of the camera will blink for 10 seconds. Then the picture will be taken. The self-timer can be canceled by pressing the self-timer button again.

On the other side of the view finder is the film counter. In the picture is shows ‘S’ as the film compartment is empty.

The camera has 4 different shooting modes that are selected by the front dial.

• No Flash
• Flash
• Auto
• Underwater Macro Mode

Lens and Image Quality

The Canon Sure Shot A1 has a 32mm f/3.5 lens. This wide-angle lens is great for street, landscape, and portrait photography, providing a broad field of view and a decent amount of detail. The fixed aperture of f/3.5 ensures sufficient light enters the camera, facilitating shooting in varied light conditions.

The camera’s automatic mode, combined with the 3-point Smart Autofocus system, simplifies operation and enhances image quality. The camera also incorporates a built-in flash, which triggers automatically in low-light and backlit conditions, ensuring your subjects are appropriately lit.

Viewfinder

The viewfinder has AF frame lines. The lower set of lines that partially stick out are parallax correction lines for when the shooting distance is less than 0.45m or 1.5ft.

Sample Images

These Canon Sure Shot A-1 sample images were taken using expired Fujifilm Superia 400 film. They were taken at Market Meadows, a strip mall that was due to be torn down. All of the businesses had moved out long ago.

I developed the film myself and digitized it using a macro lens. That’s why the color is the way it is. The lens is great for the type of photography it was designed for. I don’t have any underwater photography sample photos.

Price and Where to Buy

The Sure Shot A-1 was a popular camera and used copies are easy to find online.

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At the time of writing this, they can be found in good condition for less than $150. Pay close attension to the rubber seals in photos. There are two, one on the film door and one on the battery door.

Make sure that the film door latch is not damaged. The plastic hooks that hold the film door shut tend to break. Also make sure the film door rubber gasket is clean and in good condition. If you see sand in a photo, stay away from the camera.

Battery

The Canon Sure Shot A1 uses a 3V CR123A battery.

If you are using the version with the date function, you will also need a CR2032 battery. The A1 can be used without a battery in the date back. These batteries are readily available and can be purchased online.

You can easily find CR123A batteries online.

Date Back

The date back requires a CR2032 battery in order to operate. The battery door is on the inside of the film door. A screw needs to be removed to get access to the battery.

Film to Use

The Sure Shot A1 uses 35mm film, the standard and most widely available film format. It’s compatible with DX-encoded film, enabling automatic setting of the correct ISO value, which ranges from 25 to 3200. The broad ISO range is advantageous when shooting in different lighting conditions.

Here is my suggested film to use with the camera:

Black & White

• Ilford HP-5 Plus 400
• Kodak Tri-X 400TX

Color

• Kodak UltraMax 400
• FujiFilm Superia X-Tra 400
• Lomography Color 400

Alternative Underwater Water Proof 35mm Film Cameras

If the Canon Sure Shot A1 doesn’t quite meet your needs, or you’re just curious about what else is out there, there are plenty of other underwater cameras that use 35mm film. Here are a few compact cameras to consider:

• Nikonos V: This is Nikon’s most advanced underwater 35mm camera, capable of functioning down to 50 meters. With interchangeable lenses and manual exposure control, it offers versatility and precision.

• Minolta Weathermatic Dual 35: This fully automatic camera is waterproof down to 5 meters and has two built-in lenses for both wide-angle and telephoto shots.

• Olympus MJU II (Stylus Epic): While not strictly an underwater camera, the MJU II is weather-resistant and can be used underwater with an additional casing. It’s compact, has a fast f/2.8 lens, and its fully automatic operation makes it easy to use.

• Pentax Marine 7x50 with Compass: This is an impressive, rugged camera that is water and fog-proof, making it perfect for more extreme conditions.

• Sea & Sea Motormarine II EX: This is a more specialized underwater camera that can be used down to 60 meters. It offers a range of advanced features like a 35mm lens and a strobe connector.

Remember, when choosing an underwater camera, it’s essential to consider your individual needs and preferences, including the depths you’ll be diving, the type of photography you want to do, and your budget.

Canon Sure Shot A1: A Snapshot

The Canon Sure Shot A1 is a compact, user-friendly, and durable 35mm film camera, renowned for its underwater capabilities, making it a perfect companion for adventure-filled photography.

Accessories and Extras

The Sure Shot A1 comes with a red carrying case for easy transport and protection. The case features a zipper and a Velcro tab for securing the camera and a shoulder strap for comfortable carrying. The camera also includes a panorama and date function model, offering additional creative possibilities for photographers.

Overall, the Canon Sure Shot A1 is a testament to Canon’s ingenuity and commitment to creating durable, user-friendly cameras. Its simple yet robust features make it a timeless piece that continues to bring joy to film photography enthusiasts worldwide.

Specs

Here are the specs for the Canon Sure Shot A1 taken from the Canon A-1 page at the Canon Camera Museum.